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What is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time.
Normally, the airways and air sacs in your lungs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, the airways bring air to the air sacs. The air sacs fill up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate, and the air goes out. If you have COPD, less air flows in and out of your airways because of one or more problems:
- The airways and air sacs in your lungs become less elastic
- The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed
- The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed
- The airways make more mucus than usual and can become clogged
COPD includes two main types:
- Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs, as well as the walls between them. They become damaged and are less elastic.
- Chronic bronchitis, in which the lining of your airways is constantly irritated and inflamed. This causes the lining to swell and make mucus.
Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but how severe each type is can be different from person to person.
What causes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?The cause of COPD is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause COPD, especially if you inhale them.
Exposure to other inhaled irritants can contribute to COPD. These include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace.
Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role in causing COPD.
Who is at risk for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?The risk factors for COPD include:
- Smoking. This the main risk factor. Up to 75% of people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke.
- Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace
- Age. Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin.
- Genetics. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get COPD are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD.
- Asthma. People who have asthma have more risk of developing COPD than people who don't have asthma. But most people with asthma will not get COPD.
At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. They can include:
- Frequent coughing or a cough that produces a lot mucus
- Wheezing
- A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
- Tightness in your chest
Some people with COPD get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, COPD can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.
How is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) diagnosed?Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis:
- A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms
- A family history
- Various tests, such as lung function tests, a chest x-ray or CT scan, and blood tests
Your doctor will diagnose COPD based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and test results.
What are the treatments for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?There is no cure for COPD. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. There are also treatments to prevent or treat complications of the disease. Treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as
- Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat COPD.
- Avoiding secondhand smoke and places where you might breathe in other lung irritants
- Ask your health care provider for an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Also ask about how much physical activity you can do. Physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.
- Medicines, such as
- Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. Most bronchodilators are taken through an inhaler. In more severe cases, the inhaler may also contain steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia, since people with COPD are at higher risk for serious problems from these diseases
- Antibiotics if you get a bacterial or viral lung infection
- Oxygen therapy, if you have severe COPD and low levels of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. You may need extra oxygen all the time or only at certain times.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. It may include
- An exercise program
- Disease management training
- Nutritional counseling
- Psychological counseling
- Surgery, usually as a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not gotten better with medicines:
- For COPD that is mainly related to emphysema, there are surgeries that
- Remove damaged lung tissue
- Remove large air spaces (bullae) that can form when air sacs are destroyed. The bullae can interfere with breathing.
- For severe COPD, some people may need lung transplant
- For COPD that is mainly related to emphysema, there are surgeries that
If you have COPD, it's important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever.
Can COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) be prevented?Since smoking causes most cases of COPD, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It's also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Better
ALOEALOE
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Barbadoes, Africa and the... / ...the best that can be given. The improvement in the mental state often will be commensurate with the betterment of the intestinal torpor. 1
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Barbadoes, Africa and the... / ...the best that can be given. The improvement in the mental state often will be commensurate with the betterment of the intestinal torpor. 1
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...ng known that diuresis was one of its most prominent results, the knowledge that this is due to the better cardiac pressure and arterial tonus, rather than to the increased intrinsic secreting power o... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...ng known that diuresis was one of its most prominent results, the knowledge that this is due to the better cardiac pressure and arterial tonus, rather than to the increased intrinsic secreting power o... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
BUCHU (Barosma)AGBE2
The dried leaves of (1) Barosma betulina (Thunberg), Bartling and Wendland, or of (2) Barosma serratifolia (Curtis), Willdenow. (Nat. Ord.... / ...ly it is used in dyspeptic conditions and in bronchial catarrh, but for these disorders we have far better remedies. Buchu renders the urine dark, the latter depositing a brownish precipitate. It shou...1
The dried leaves of (1) Barosma betulina (Thunberg), Bartling and Wendland, or of (2) Barosma serratifolia (Curtis), Willdenow. (Nat. Ord.... / ...ly it is used in dyspeptic conditions and in bronchial catarrh, but for these disorders we have far better remedies. Buchu renders the urine dark, the latter depositing a brownish precipitate. It shou...1
CALUMBA (Jateorhiza palmata)JAPA2
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...ired. In some respects calumba resembles hydrastis in its local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescen...1
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...ired. In some respects calumba resembles hydrastis in its local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescen...1
CHIMAPHILA
The leaves or whole plant of Chimaphila umbellata (Linné, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) North temperate region of the Northern Hemispheres, and... / ...n water, with some glycerin. However, when used in this way it precipitates and is unsightly, and a better way is to dispense it in bulk with directions to dilute it freely when used. The dose of spec... / ...the disappearance of sugar in glycosuria. Chimaphila is a neglected remedy that may well take the place of other agents of questionable safety.1
The leaves or whole plant of Chimaphila umbellata (Linné, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) North temperate region of the Northern Hemispheres, and... / ...n water, with some glycerin. However, when used in this way it precipitates and is unsightly, and a better way is to dispense it in bulk with directions to dilute it freely when used. The dose of spec... / ...the disappearance of sugar in glycosuria. Chimaphila is a neglected remedy that may well take the place of other agents of questionable safety.1
CONIUM
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ... is insufficient except in doses which would be equally as dangerous as the disorder itself . It is better adapted to control the excessive movements of hysteria and mania, but in the former having li... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ... is insufficient except in doses which would be equally as dangerous as the disorder itself . It is better adapted to control the excessive movements of hysteria and mania, but in the former having li... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
CORALLORHIZA
The rhizome of Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae.) Rich woods in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 1 drachm. Common... / ... tonics we have ever employed. The appetite is the first to respond, cough and pain cease, there is better action of the kidneys and skin, and general recuperation gradually takes place. For dry bronc... / ...agent is too expensive to use for these purposes. It is to be regretted that its extreme scarcity makes corallorhiza an almost unobtainable drug.1
The rhizome of Corallorhiza odontorhiza, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae.) Rich woods in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 1 drachm. Common... / ... tonics we have ever employed. The appetite is the first to respond, cough and pain cease, there is better action of the kidneys and skin, and general recuperation gradually takes place. For dry bronc... / ...agent is too expensive to use for these purposes. It is to be regretted that its extreme scarcity makes corallorhiza an almost unobtainable drug.1
DIGITALIS
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from light, in close containers. Europe;... / ...ulsations. Not only does the retarded diastole give more rest to the heart, but it is followed by a better contraction of the heart-muscle and some constriction of the arterioles, so that the blood-cu... / ...pulse becomes very slow and irregular. The ventricle dilates more completely, thus prolonging the diastole; the systole becomes erratic in force,1
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from light, in close containers. Europe;... / ...ulsations. Not only does the retarded diastole give more rest to the heart, but it is followed by a better contraction of the heart-muscle and some constriction of the arterioles, so that the blood-cu... / ...pulse becomes very slow and irregular. The ventricle dilates more completely, thus prolonging the diastole; the systole becomes erratic in force,1
DIOSCOREA
The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Dioscoreaceae). A vine found throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names:... / ...hen large gall-stones are attempting to pass it is probably without power to relieve. Morphine is a better relaxant and is anodyne. Dioscorea seems best adapted to paroxysmal pain due to contraction o... / ...the distress is gradually relieved by pressure.1
The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Dioscoreaceae). A vine found throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names:... / ...hen large gall-stones are attempting to pass it is probably without power to relieve. Morphine is a better relaxant and is anodyne. Dioscorea seems best adapted to paroxysmal pain due to contraction o... / ...the distress is gradually relieved by pressure.1
DUBOISINA
The alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Duboisia myoporoides, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Myoporaceae), the Corkwood elm or Ngmoo of Australia and... / ... checks colliquative sweating. It is reported prompter in action than atropine, and is said to be a better calmative and hypnotic in states of mental excitement. The morphine habit, paralysis agitans,... / ...especially vomiting without previous nausea, and undoubtedly decreases the secretion of urine, hence it should be used with care and judgment.1
The alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Duboisia myoporoides, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Myoporaceae), the Corkwood elm or Ngmoo of Australia and... / ... checks colliquative sweating. It is reported prompter in action than atropine, and is said to be a better calmative and hypnotic in states of mental excitement. The morphine habit, paralysis agitans,... / ...especially vomiting without previous nausea, and undoubtedly decreases the secretion of urine, hence it should be used with care and judgment.1
ERIGERONERAR32
The whole plant of Erigeron canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A common and troublesome weed through the northern and central parts of the... / ..., or with but little pain, but often with the presence of slight amounts of blood. The infusion is better than alcoholic preparations for these purposes; besides it supplies water to take the place o... / ...and moderate bleeding from the stomach, bowels, and kidneys. Given in syrup it is useful as a cough medicine when there is bloody expectoration.1
The whole plant of Erigeron canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A common and troublesome weed through the northern and central parts of the... / ..., or with but little pain, but often with the presence of slight amounts of blood. The infusion is better than alcoholic preparations for these purposes; besides it supplies water to take the place o... / ...and moderate bleeding from the stomach, bowels, and kidneys. Given in syrup it is useful as a cough medicine when there is bloody expectoration.1
EUCALYPTUSEUAN12
The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia;... / ...quinine has an otherwise undesired effect. The more chronic the caseswithout distinct cyclesthe better the drug seems to act. It is also naturally used for many of the complications or results of ... / ...Used according to indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and pleasant medicine. It is best given in syrup or glycerin.1
The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia;... / ...quinine has an otherwise undesired effect. The more chronic the caseswithout distinct cyclesthe better the drug seems to act. It is also naturally used for many of the complications or results of ... / ...Used according to indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and pleasant medicine. It is best given in syrup or glycerin.1
EUONYMUS
The bark of the root of Euonymus atropurpureus, Jacquin (Nat. Ord. Celastraceae.). A small shrub or bush of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60... / ...a major remedy in intermittents, and general tonic effects are chiefly to be expected. It acts much better in the gastric debility following intermittent fevers than during the active attacks. Euonymu... / ...debility associated with or following it. Euonymus is a neglected bitter.1
The bark of the root of Euonymus atropurpureus, Jacquin (Nat. Ord. Celastraceae.). A small shrub or bush of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60... / ...a major remedy in intermittents, and general tonic effects are chiefly to be expected. It acts much better in the gastric debility following intermittent fevers than during the active attacks. Euonymu... / ...debility associated with or following it. Euonymus is a neglected bitter.1
GUAIACUM
...t of use in that disease at the present day. It was also much used in rheumatism, in which it has a better claim to efficiency. Guaiac is laxative, expectorant, and diaphoretic. When it fails to act u......ck of acute inflammatory rheumatismthe tonsils being the foci of infection. In such cases it acts better than in other forms of amygdalitis. While seemingly indicated in active conditions in sore th...1
...t of use in that disease at the present day. It was also much used in rheumatism, in which it has a better claim to efficiency. Guaiac is laxative, expectorant, and diaphoretic. When it fails to act u......ck of acute inflammatory rheumatismthe tonsils being the foci of infection. In such cases it acts better than in other forms of amygdalitis. While seemingly indicated in active conditions in sore th...1
HAMAMELIS
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...in oozing of blood from the mucosa, in passive bleeding from the nose, lungs, and stomach, but is a better remedy for the venous relaxation that precedes these hemorrhages and which renders their occu...1
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...in oozing of blood from the mucosa, in passive bleeding from the nose, lungs, and stomach, but is a better remedy for the venous relaxation that precedes these hemorrhages and which renders their occu...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Better
BROMIDES
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
RHUBARBRHEUM
The root of RHEUM OFFICINALE, Baill. Combines astringent with cathartic properties; stomachic. intestinal antiseptic, chole gogue. May be used in chronic constipation, but is better suited to cases wherea single catharsis is indicated. Often used in small doses as a stomachic having also tonic and laxative properties. Dose as stomachic, 0.12 to 0.30 Grm. (2 to 5 grs.); as laxative, 0.6 to l.0 Grm. (10 to 15 grs.); as cathartic, 1.3 to 2.0 Grm. (20 to 30 grs.).2
The root of RHEUM OFFICINALE, Baill. Combines astringent with cathartic properties; stomachic. intestinal antiseptic, chole gogue. May be used in chronic constipation, but is better suited to cases wherea single catharsis is indicated. Often used in small doses as a stomachic having also tonic and laxative properties. Dose as stomachic, 0.12 to 0.30 Grm. (2 to 5 grs.); as laxative, 0.6 to l.0 Grm. (10 to 15 grs.); as cathartic, 1.3 to 2.0 Grm. (20 to 30 grs.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Better
EPILEPSY
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be... / .... & Co. Bromides of sodium and ammonium may be often advantage ously combined with the potassium salt. In the more chronic cases, acetanilid may be a better remedy than potassium bromide. In syphilitic cases potassium iodide in full doses must be used instead of the bromide. Other remedies of im por...2
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be... / .... & Co. Bromides of sodium and ammonium may be often advantage ously combined with the potassium salt. In the more chronic cases, acetanilid may be a better remedy than potassium bromide. In syphilitic cases potassium iodide in full doses must be used instead of the bromide. Other remedies of im por...2
GANGRENE
Bromine is the most e lcient escharotic; chromic acid and nitric acid are often used. Carbolic acid applied in full strength, followed by alcohol to limit its action, with subsequent dressing with Iodosyl has given excellent results. For cleansing, hydrogen peroxide is eflicient. Ichthyol and boric acid may be used in dressing, but Iodosyl is better. Internally guaiacol and creosote to guard against p yemia.2
Bromine is the most e lcient escharotic; chromic acid and nitric acid are often used. Carbolic acid applied in full strength, followed by alcohol to limit its action, with subsequent dressing with Iodosyl has given excellent results. For cleansing, hydrogen peroxide is eflicient. Ichthyol and boric acid may be used in dressing, but Iodosyl is better. Internally guaiacol and creosote to guard against p yemia.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.